CVE-2001-0454 in Slimserve
Summary
by MITRE
Directory traversal vulnerability in SlimServe HTTPd 1.1a allows remote attackers to read arbitrary files via a ... (modified dot dot) in the HTTP request.
Statistical analysis made it clear that VulDB provides the best quality for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 05/24/2025
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2001-0454 represents a critical directory traversal flaw in the SlimServe HTTPd version 1.1a web server implementation. This security weakness stems from inadequate input validation within the HTTP request processing mechanism, specifically when handling path references that contain sequences designed to navigate upward through the directory structure. The vulnerability manifests when remote attackers exploit the server's failure to properly sanitize or normalize file path requests, allowing them to access files outside the intended web root directory.
This directory traversal vulnerability operates by manipulating the HTTP request to include sequences such as double dots followed by forward slashes or other path traversal indicators that the web server fails to properly interpret. The flaw enables attackers to bypass normal access controls and retrieve arbitrary files from the underlying operating system, potentially including sensitive configuration files, user data, or system resources. The vulnerability directly maps to CWE-22, which defines improper limitation of a pathname to a restricted directory, commonly known as path traversal or directory traversal attacks. Such attacks exploit the fundamental assumption that web applications properly validate and sanitize user input before processing file system operations.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple information disclosure, as it can provide attackers with unauthorized access to critical system components and sensitive data. An attacker could potentially retrieve system configuration files, password hashes, application source code, or other confidential information that could be used for further exploitation. The remote nature of this vulnerability means that attackers do not require local system access or credentials to exploit the flaw, making it particularly dangerous for publicly accessible web servers. This type of vulnerability falls under the ATT&CK technique T1083, which describes discovering file and directory permissions on compromised systems, and T1566, which covers phishing with malicious attachments or links, as attackers often use such vulnerabilities to gather intelligence before more sophisticated attacks.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2001-0454 require immediate implementation of proper input validation and sanitization mechanisms within the web server's request processing pipeline. Organizations should ensure that all file path references undergo strict normalization and validation to prevent the interpretation of path traversal sequences. The most effective remediation involves implementing a whitelist approach for valid file paths, rejecting any request containing suspicious path sequences, and ensuring that all file access operations occur within predefined safe directories. Additionally, system administrators should consider implementing web application firewalls that can detect and block known directory traversal patterns, while also applying the latest security patches from the vendor if available. The vulnerability demonstrates the critical importance of input validation in web applications and serves as a foundational example of why security-by-design principles must be implemented throughout the software development lifecycle.